George Bush in The Reagan Era

George Bush in The Reagan Era

George H. W. Bush (1924–) is the oldest living United States president, and he occupied the White House from 1989 to 1993. 

In a long career of public service, Bush also served as U.S. Representative from Texas, Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Director of Central Intelligence, and Vice President of the United States. Bush is the father and namesake of 43rd President of the United States George W. Bush.

In 1980, Bush ran against Ronald Reagan for the Republican nomination for president. During the campaign, Bush memorably criticized Reagan's tax cut plans as "voodoo economics." While Bush's critique later proved to be mostly accurate, Reagan surged to victory in the primaries. 

The two rivals resolved their differences, however, as Bush accepted Reagan's invitation to serve as his vice president. Upon Reagan's retirement from office after two terms, Bush won the Oval Office himself by defeating Democrat Michael Dukakis in the 1988 presidential election.